10. Make-up Game

When Yusei and Crow got down to the breakfast buffet they found that Jack had gathered his usual large pile of foodstuffs, but he was sitting next to Bruno eying his pancakes balefully.

"Did you drink too much?" asked Bruno.

"I had one beer last night," Jack said distantly, toying with a sausage. "I just … don't have much of an appetite this morning."

"Well get over it and eat something," said Red, plopping down opposite Jack. "You're pitching tonight, in case you forgot."

Yusei placed himself behind the orange juice fountain to conceal himself from direct view and sighed. This is my fault.

"This isn't your fault," whispered Crow, filling a glass next to him. "C'mon, let's get breakfast."

Jack was rousing himself out of his mordant reverie on the other side of the buffet table. "Can't a guy not be hungry without having people jump down his throat?" he shouted. "Jack Atlas could beat the Vikes on an empty stomach! Sheesh. We had a lot of snacks last night."

"What! You filled up on junk food? That's even worse! At least eat some decent protein! Gah, I need to get the dietitian with you …" Red started off on a detailed rant, much to Jack's annoyance. The rant continued for some minutes, punctuated by Jack's frustrated protestations.

But Bruno was laughing. "If we jumped down your throat, you'd be full for sure!"

Yeah, Yusei thought, he covers OK, but … it's a cover. Yusei reminded himself that he had to force himself to eat normally, but his stomach felt rather constricted and tight itself. He grabbed some eggs. The scrambled mass seemed to laugh at him, their color reminding him too much of Jack's hair …

When Kaz sat down with Yusei and Crow, Crow asked, "So … how's the roommate arrangement going? Is Jack working out?"

"Yeah, turns out that once you get used to the fact that he refers to himself in the third person an awful lot, he's actually a pretty good guy. But … did you know that before he played pro ball he was a notorious poker and pool shark in Satellite?"

"Poker? A-and pool?" asked Yusei, stunned.

"Yeah. I never would have known except I have a billiard table in my house and he offered to play me for chores last week. Well, I'll never make that mistake again!"

"But, he never says—"

"'Course not. He's a pro," Kaz said. "I asked him about it and he said he might go back to it after his career—you know, turn pro in one or the other? But for now, no way, even casually. You meet the wrong kind of people, even if you just throw down in casinos."

Yusei couldn't help sneaking a glance over his shoulder at Jack. Another thing he didn't know … He tried to picture Jack doing these things or what it was like … Using his cocky grin to lure people in, his poker face to confuse them … Having seen him operate on the mound, Yusei knew Jack would be an excellent poker player, keeping his opponents guessing what he held …

"Huh, you never know, do you?" he said.

"Yeah, but other than that, he's been great. The upside is that my billiards game has improved considerably," he grinned. "But I know better than to bet chores or anything now."

"You should set up a poker game for some of the guys," said Crow.

"Nah," said Kaz, "Jack wouldn't join in because they'd want to bet real money."

"Not even small change?"

"Nope. He's pretty virginal right now. Very protective."

"His career means everything to him," said Yusei. It's so important, it might keep us apart, he thought sadly. He took a bite of bacon and asked himself if he'd give up his career for Jack. Right now Jack seemed really important, but if the choice really came up, he'd have to really think about it. Chew it over. He'd planned on having a long career, work hard on his hitting and fielding. He wanted to go after hitting records for shortstops, maybe more if he did well enough …

And he was only just starting to get to know Jack. Of course, the more he got to know him, the closer he wanted to be …

But if they got outed, even if they weren't pushed out of the sport, the fallout might be so distracting that their careers might suffer … They might be separated …

"Yusei!"

Yusei looked up to find Crow staring at him.

"Pardon?"

"Is your breakfast so engrossing as all that?"

"Uh … maybe so?"

The three laughed. "Kaz was asking what you were going to do after your baseball career, as if I didn't know."

"Oh, right. I'm studying to become a biomechanical engineer."

"Yeah. A great byproduct of that is that already gives a mean massage. If you don't believe me, just ask Jack."

"Jack?"

"Yusei gave him a massage and Jack fell asleep, he was so relaxed."

"Really. That sounds a lot better than the team's therapist."

Yusei shrugged. "He's more than qualified."

"Don't sell yourself short, Yusei," said Crow. "Seriously, he's talented. Take it from me."

"Aw, come on, Crow, don't spread it around or everyone will want a free massage. I'll have to start charging and who knows where that will lead?"

"Fame and fortune?"

Yusei got up to refill his orange juice and used the errand as an opportunity to check on Jack. The pitcher had managed to come out of his sour mood and was apparently in deep discussion with Bommer about working batters. Jack seemed to have very distinct ideas about strategy and sometimes shook off a lot of signs, which annoyed Bommer no end.

It's good they're talking, he thought, allowing a small smile to creep across his face. But he knew that Jack couldn't be happy.

Hope he talks to me again soon.

Throughout the day, Yusei went about his routine of preparing for the game pushing away a gnawing uncertainty.

During batting practice, Crow grabbed him and said, "You're even more quiet than usual. Sure you're going to be OK?"

He frowned. "Yeah. I'll be fine." He sighed. "In fact, my concentration will probably be better than it has been." Yeah … he could hardly bear to look at Jack after seeing him look so disappointed. He couldn't possibly get overly excited at this point. "It's Jack that I'm concerned about."

Crow shrugged. "Well, it can go one of two ways. He has enough to think about just coming back from his injury, right? Besides, you saw Red. He had to push Jack off the field to keep him from taking batting practice today."

"Jack always takes batting practice."

"My point exactly. He's not letting this thing with you—whatever it is—get in the way of his routine, even if Red's determined to because of his medical condition. So … let's hope it doesn't get in the way of his game. What was it you talked about that got you so tight that he's all in a twist, anyway?"

"That's not why he's—and I'm not saying, telling you what he said to me was how I got into hot water in the first place!" Yusei gave Crow a light shove.

"Hey, you two! If your lovers' tiff is over," Ned yelled, "could you send Yusei to the batter's box, please? If it doesn't interfere with your busy social schedule?"

"I'm there!" yelled Yusei, trotting over.

The game seemed to take forever to get started. Yusei was very glad to get the warm-ups and preliminaries over with and settle into the on-deck circle waiting for his turn at bat behind Crow, who was stepping in to lead off the game.

Crow quickly got on with a bad-hop single.

Yusei walked up and gave the dugout a thumbs-up and a wink, hoping Jack knew that it was meant for him. He spotted the shiny red satin warm-up jacket Jack was wearing and thought, I'll get a hit for you, Jack. I'm going to help you win this game!

He smiled to himself. It made him feel better already. Even if Jack wasn't completely happy with him right now, he could at least do something to support him. He dug in, more determined than ever to get a hit and excel. This wasn't just for him; it wasn't just for the team. It was for Jack, too. Somehow that made it all the more important.

He tapped the end of the bat on the plate, choked up ever so slightly, and stared at Harald, their star pitcher, like he held the secrets of the universe. At last the ball came.

It looked … huge … like a full moon.

Yusei's hand just had time to slide back a little and he walloped it and took off, noting that the first base coach was already waving furiously. Rounding second, he took a look at the third base coach and didn't stop. A triple already. He took in the air in huge gulps.

It felt good to be moving, playing at last. He wanted to laugh, he felt so much better. He looked in toward the plate where Kaz was stepping in to take his practice swings.

Now all he needed was to move 90 more feet and get home.

Kaz fouled off a pitch, then took a ball. With the count one and one, there was a crack of the bat. Sac fly. Yusei was off running, an easy slide, and it was 2-0 Dragons, a nice cushion for Jack to start with. Yusei trotted in and plopped on the bench. Unfortunately, he and Crow were at the other end from Jack, but Yusei sneaked a look at Jack's face.

Jack wasn't looking his way and … damn that poker face! He wasn't quite sure what was going on in his mind.

Still, he leaned back smiling. Jack had to be happy with the lead.

Jack began with the 2-0 lead and started extremely strong. In fact, the inning went one-two-three, with a strikeout and two easy infield bouncers.

The Dragons came up in the second with an out, but then Andre singled and Bommer hit a long fly that Brave made a spectacular play to save for an out. Jack gave him a conciliatory pat on the butt on his way off the field. The at-bat succeeded in moving Andre into scoring position.

Jack prepared for his at-bat with typical seriousness, then when he took his batting stance, gave Harald a huge grin, daring him to do his worst. Harald's eyes flashed, and he came at him.

Jack watched a searing fastball cross the plate without moving.

He took another practice swing, then settled back into his stance and gave Harald another knowing grin.

Back in the clubhouse, Crow nudged Yusei. "I don't think you had a thing to worry about. Jack's in the zone! He's working Harald just like he works batters."

"Yeah … guess he's one of those guys … you hurt 'em, it just makes 'em concentrate harder. Heh, I should've known."

"What, that he's just like you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Have you seen yourself tonight?"

"Eh, fielding's been easy so far."

"Triple."

Yusei shrugged. "One at-bat."

But Harald was in his wind-up now.

The contact of bat against ball sounded almost like a gunshot.

Harald gave Jack a furious look and then watched the ball sail over the outfield wall.

Jack loped in to meet the congratulations of his team.

The game went on like this, much to the dissatisfaction of the Vikings.

At the end of the fifth, Red pulled Jack. "Aw, come on, Red!" he complained. "I'm well under the pitch count you set for the game!"

"Well, that's good, then. Excellent. You won't have hurt yourself. Hit the showers!"

"I can do two more innings."

"Great. Hit the showers!"

Grumbling, Jack headed off into the visitor's locker room.

Yusei continued to give Jack plenty of space, waiting for him to make the next move. Meanwhile, the Crimson Dragons continued to win, as though the limbo that Jack and Yusei found themselves in translated into some sort of good luck charm on the field.

At times Yusei imagined he felt Jack's eyes on him, but when he had a chance to turn and look, Jack always seemed to be looking somewhere else. He decided it must be wishful thinking.

The end of the season was drawing near and they were tantalizingly near clinching their spot in the playoffs. Tonight they played the Raptors, hoping that their lucky streak was continuing.

"Look, Ushio, if you don't shave that mustache soon, it's going to turn into a handlebar!" said Crow.

"And a very good look it will be on me, too," he claimed. "I can't shave it yet, I have to wait until we lose, and we haven't lost yet. It's bad luck."

"Yusei laughed. Your mustache hasn't been doing your slugging for you, Ushio … although … it's getting long enough now that maybe it could."

Nothing brought a team together like winning, and the mood in the clubhouse was light and optimistic. It didn't seem like anyone could give them serious competition.

Tonight, Jack took the mound again, looking more powerful than ever.

And was he—!

It was a short game, Jack ripping through the opposing line-up as though they were a high school team, and more than enough run support.

"Do you see the scores?" yelled Corky. "We've clinched!"

With that, the bench rushed the mound along with the fielders, hoisting Jack onto their shoulders. "You started this run … right after your injury, too!" shouted Crow.

Jack didn't have too much time for celebration before he had to begin his post-start routine, but he stayed to share a glass of champagne … that is, after everyone was sprayed with it.

Then Red pulled him aside and said, "Let's get going before your muscles get cold."

He said, "Sure. I'll be right there."

On his way out, he caught Yusei's eye and nodded toward the door. His heart thumping, Yusei ducked out of his spot among the infielders and headed toward the hallway. The two found themselves alone for just a few seconds.

They stood together, about three feet apart, leaning slightly toward each other, the air charged between them. Jack seemed to be breathing heavily, but it couldn't have been from pitching. Not after this long.

"Yusei," Jack said softly, "I've got to get going, but things are going too well. I miss talking to you. I miss you staring at me like you do. Things were just starting to go where I wanted and …"

"You decided to think about it."

"Well, I guess I'm done."

"Good then."

"Good."

"I'll see you. Soon."

Jack gave Yusei a genuine smile, then turned and headed toward the training rooms at a trot to make up for the time he'd lost. Yusei couldn't help but stand and watch him receding into the distance.

Author's Notes:

Hey, All-Star Game day! No, I'm not watching. Sad to say, I'm still not as into baseball as I used to be. Maybe someday ...

Once again, thanks for sticking with and reviewing. This chapter felt a little fillerish, but Jack and Yusei had to get past this little wrinkle and to the playoffs. I promise there's some interesting stuff coming up! Sorry about all the slang this time ... but, hey, baseball's a slangy, jargony sport, and I want to preserve the flavor ... and I don't think I can describe a game without using any. Plus (not quite so much here) I'm playing with some of the lingo ...

Reviews: "Somehow reminds me of Dorabase" You had me looking that up! Looks interesting.

Make-up game: A make-up game is scheduled when a game has to be canceled due to rain or some other reason.

shook off a lot of signs: The catcher signals to the pitcher what pitch (fastball, curveball, etc.) he wants him to throw. If the pitcher wants to throw a different pitch, he shakes his head (shakes off the sign) and gets a new sign.

batter's box: The painted rectangular area on either side of home plate in which the batter stands to hit the pitch.

on-deck circle: The next batter up takes practice swings in the on-deck circle (a round area out of play not far from home plate) while the previous batter is batting. The next scheduled batter is on deck.

bad-hop single: A single that probably would have been an out, but couldn't be fielded because it took a "bad hop" or unpredictable bounce off the turf or dirt. Often a bad hop results when the ball hits the edge between the turf and the dirt basepath.

It looked … huge: When a hitter is really hitting well (seeing the ball well), they report that the ball looks very large to them.

first base coach was already waving furiously: The first and third base coaches relay signals to the batters and runners.

90 more feet: The distance between bases.

Sac fly: Sacrifice fly, a fly ball that moves the lead runner one more base over.

the inning went one-two-three: Three outs in a row.

you hurt 'em, it just makes 'em concentrate harder: You might have noticed that some of the best athletes play very well when hurt or sick.

Red pulled Jack: Pulled him out of the game. Actually, Corky, the manager would announce the change, but since this was because of Jack's injury, it's Red's pre-determined decision.

clinching their spot in the playoffs: When a team has won so many games compared with other teams that they mathematically cannot be surpassed by any other team in their division.

Ushio's mustache: Baseball players are famous for superstition. If a team is on a winning streak, players sometimes engage in strange rituals to try to keep it going.

the bench: The players on the team who aren't playing in the game.

his post-start routine: I understand that pitchers have elaborate post-game routines to prevent arm soreness, review their performance, replace glycogen, etc. Pitching is the most demanding position on the team (which is why a pitcher can't pitch every day). (Which means when Red said, "Hit the showers," he actually meant, "Start your post-start routine.")

Next ...

Playoffs! We're heading into the home stretch. (And, yeah ... I'm still running behind on the writing because I'm double-teaming another story. So sue me!)